Mohamed Salah goal sends Egypt through in African Nations Cup

Egypt have progressed to the quarterfinals of the African Nations Cup as Group D winners after a 1-0 defeat of Ghana in Port-Gentil.

Victory, secured by Mohamed Salah's first-half goal, took the seven-time champions above Ghana and into first place with a total of seven points. Ghana also progress to the competition's final eight, having won their two previous fixtures against Uganda and Mali to finish second.

Egypt were presented with the opportunity to go ahead when Ghana's John Boye fouled Abdallah El Said on the edge of the penalty area.

Roma's Salah, one of Africa's most high-profile players, then gave his side the lead from an 11th-minute free kick. Powerfully striking directly into the top-left corner with his left foot, he ensured goalkeeper Brimah Razak -- so impressive against Mali -- barely moved.

Egypt celebrate Mohamed Salah's goal. JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images

Ghana perhaps edged a largely even affair thereafter, but were undermined in their pursuit of an equalising goal when Asamoah Gyan went off injured towards the end of the first half.

Egypt therefore secured a third clean sheet from three Group D fixtures, but may yet regret doing so.

Much has been made of the poor condition of the pitch in Port-Gentil, where the group winners were scheduled to remain for their final-eight fixture.

Heavy rain has worsened the pitch's condition in recent days -- runners-up Egypt, however, will next play in Oyem.